Forbidden City Pattern and Color Manual

 

　　Dragon pattern ∣ Phoenix pattern ∣ Qilin pattern ∣ Lion pattern ∣ Python pattern ∣ Crane pattern ∣ Egret pattern ∣ Butterfly pattern ∣ Bat pattern ∣ Five Poisons pattern

 

　　Chicken pattern ∣ Floral pattern ∣ Peony pattern ∣ Lotus pattern ∣ Four Gentlemen pattern ∣ Persimmon calyx pattern ∣ Brocade pattern ∣ Leiwen pattern ∣ Swastika pattern ∣ Longevity character pattern String of beads pattern ∣ Precious bead auspicious grass pattern ∣ Happy Reunion pattern ∣ Assorted treasures pattern ∣ Eight Auspicious Symbols pattern ∣ Sea water and cliff pattern ∣ Twelve Symbols pattern     

 

 

　　With its brave demeanor and enterprising spirit, the lion became the mount of Manjushri Bodhisattva. Therefore, people also imbue the lion pattern with the meaning of protecting the good and deterring evil. Because "獅" (lion) is homophonous with "師" (teacher/master), a pattern composed of large and small lion patterns is also called "太師少師紋" (Grand Tutor and Junior Tutor pattern), symbolizing official promotion, smooth career, and great promise.

 

　　　　

　　Butterfly patterns mainly include floral butterfly patterns, hundred butterfly patterns, and cat butterfly patterns. Different combinations of butterfly patterns also have different meanings.

 

　　The "蝴" in butterfly pattern "蝴蝶" is homophonous with "福" (blessing), and "蝶" is homophonous with "迭" (repeated) and "耋" (old age). When the butterfly pattern is combined with other auspicious patterns, new auspicious meanings are created. For example, the combination of a butterfly pattern and a cat pattern is homophonous with "耄耋" (octogenarian), symbolizing longevity. The combination of a butterfly pattern and a melon and fruit pattern is homophonous with "瓜瓞" (many descendants), symbolizing prosperity of offspring. In addition, butterflies also have the meaning of "bringing children" in Shamanism.

 

　　Bat pattern – meaning "double blessings and longevity," often combined with auspicious patterns such as the longevity character pattern

 

　　Bat patterns usually have simple and clear lines, forming a "W" shape, which is a static geometric beauty. In terms of color selection, compared to the eerie black of bats in nature, bat patterns are usually bright and rich in color, with auspicious cloud-like lines added to outline the shape of the bat.

 

　　Exquisite bat patterns carry the beautiful wish for longevity. Because "蝠" (bat) is homophonous with "福" (blessing), bats can be called "福壽雙全" (double blessings and longevity), and bat patterns are therefore often combined with auspicious patterns such as the longevity character pattern. Ancient people, by observing things and taking their imagery, used five bats to represent "五福" (five blessings), which has another layer of auspicious meaning related to bats. For example, bats naturally have the habit of hanging upside down, which matches the traditional cultural meaning of "福到" (blessings arriving).

 

 

　　Chapter 1 of this book provides a general introduction to the patterns of the Forbidden City, including explanations of their meanings, pattern forms in different dynasties or usage scenarios, and historical origins, with the aim of giving readers a relatively complete understanding of each pattern.

 

　　Chapter 2 introduces the structure of five iconic carriers of the Forbidden City: embroidery, porcelain, carpets, enamelware, and architecture, showcasing the use and effects of various patterns in different carrier scenarios within the Forbidden City.

 

　　This book differs from previous methods of presenting patterns through photographs or rubbings. Instead, it uses professional processing and finely vectorized cultural relic images to further display the beauty of the patterns' colors and details. For 117 patterns, CMYK color schemes are provided, offering references for product design, painting imitation, clothing color matching, and home decoration, while also incorporating ethnology and patternology to make the patterns conform to modern aesthetics.